Wrong tree, wrong place
Learning to identify invasive tree species and best strategies for their control

Tree Care
Mulching and pruning at the Cully Concordia International Grove

Tree Planting
Planting evergreen and native trees along a barren stretch of right-of-way in Boise neighborhood

Tree Walk
Spring cherry tree walk in Sunnyside neighborhood

Community Workshops and Classes

*Our updated workshop schedule will be updated this fall*

Urban Forestry hosts community workshops on a wide variety of tree topics. Our workshops are a great place to build on your existing tree knowledge and skills or to take your first steps into the world of tree care and urban forestry stewardship. To see a current calendar of workshops and to register for both workshops and stewardship events, please visit: Track It Forward

Workshop

When

Where

Pests & Pathogens

Sept 11, 5:30-7pm

East Portland Community Office

The trees of Portland need us to keep an eye on them and watch for signs of declining health, but how can you know what those signs look like? Join PP&R Urban Forestry staff to learn about the insects, fungi and other organisms that currently affect or may be a future threat to the trees of our city.

Tree Selection

Sept 18, 5:30-7:30pm

East Portland Community Center (740 SE 106th Ave, Portland, OR 97216)

So you want to plant a tree? Now what? Urban Forestry staff are here to help guide you through the steps you need to take to select where to plant the tree, what tree to plant, and resources for where to get your tree from! Register here.

Tree Walk -Ainsworth Arboretum

Sept 22, 11am-12:30pm

Ainsworth Parkblocks

Explore the Ainsworth Linear Arboretum and its many trees with its creator and curator, Jim Gersbach. With more than 60 species, many uncommon to the Portland area, there is sure to be new trees for everyone to discover! Register here.

Tree Walk - Holladay Park

Sept 30, 12-1pm

Holladay Park ( NE Holladay St & NE 11th Ave, Portland, OR 97232)

Take a stretch on your lunch-break and get outside for STEPtember with a guided tree walk at Holladay Park. Register here.

Roseway Parkway Tree Planting

Oct 5, 8:30am-12:00pm

NE 72nd Ave. and NE Mason St.

Join Urban Forestry, the Roseway Tree Team, and the Roseway Neighborhood Association to plant over 30 trees! No experience necessary - tools provided. All ages are welcome. Registration is appreciated but not required. Register here.

Urban Forestry's biggest event of the year! Come learn about the latest research and news on Portland's urban forest, including results from the recently completed volunteer-led inventory of Portland's park trees, research on climate impacts to native tree species, and inspiring stories of activism in our community. Lunch included for those who register by October 18. Register here.

Technology in the Urban Forest

Nov 9, TBD

TBD

A guided course on using available technology to enhance impact and exploration of the Urban Forest. Participants will be guided through the various uses for the online parks & street tree inventory interactive webmap. This webmap is useful for Tree Teams interested in Tree Walks and Pop-Up Arboreta.

Only offered to NTS course graduates. Train with the Learning Landscapes Program Coordinator to learn the process and requirements to be a crew leader with the Learning Landscapes program. Volunteers participate at school tree plantings, guiding students through the tree planting while being a resource for any tree related questions the students may have.

Winter Fruit Tree Pruning

January

TBD

Offered in both winter and summer, this program addresses the need of fruit tree care to optimize fruit production. The East Delta Park Orchard has a variety of different fruiting tree species that have specific care needs to allow for a diversity of available knowledge to participants.

Tree Walk Training

February

TBD

Want to show off your neighborhood's trees? Learn how to organize and lead groups as you talk all things trees. This training teaches the fundamentals of creating interpretive nature and tree walks to teach your community about Portland's trees.

Outreach Training

March

TBD

Participants work together to develop outreach plans and objectives, identify the needs and materials to accomplish those objectives, and how to measure success of efforts. Communication plans are created to highlight priorities and talking points. Training is focused on project development and interested participants are encouraged to bring project ideas.

Basic Tree Identification

April

TBD

An introduction to identifying trees by their traits and characteristics. Trees covered will include those most common to the Portland area. No prior knowledge required.

Tree Care 101

April

TBD

So, you’ve decided to adopt a tree? How do you care for the newest member of your family? Are you interested in being a caregiver to public trees? This workshop covers all the basics of young tree care. Training topics include tree planting, management for each of the tree’s first years, basic needs of the tree, and guidelines for continuing care for the tree as it matures.

Decode the Tree Code

April

TBD

Participants will be introduced to the processes involved in the regulation of our city trees. This training is intended for all community members to gain a better understanding of tree permitting and regulations in Portland. Both development and non-development topics with be covered

Introduction to Pruning

May

TBD

Learn the basics of pruning young trees. From what tools to use and when, and when do you need a permit.

Pests & Pathogens

May

TBD

The trees of Portland need us to keep an eye on them and watch for signs of declining health, but how can you know what those signs look like? Join PP&R Urban Forestry staff to learn about the insects, fungi and other organisms that currently affect or may be a future threat to the trees of our city.

Advanced Pruning Training

June

TBD

Sequel to Pruning Training, this class explores the tougher choices made while pruning. Additional tools used for pruning will be introduced and used; more advanced cuts and techniques will be explored.

Summer Fruit Tree Pruning

August

TBD

Offered in both winter and summer, this program addresses the need of fruit tree care to optimize fruit production. The East Delta Park Orchard has a variety of different fruiting tree species that have specific care needs to allow for a diversity of available knowledge to participants.

Tree Team and Steward Resources

Portland is very fortunate to have many passionate community members who care for their neighborhood trees. As well as providing scheduled workshops, Urban Forestry is available to assist Tree Teams and Stewards with their own tree care projects and events.

Urban Forestry also has additional opportunities and resources available for our Tree Teams, volunteers, and stewards. Listed below are additional stewardship opportunities.

Stewardship Opportunity

Description

Interpretive Tree Walks

Hosting a Tree Walk in your neighborhood or in your favorite park is a great way to introduce new people to your neighborhood trees. Urban Forestry staff can provide resources for how to organize your walk, help you pick trees, and create talking points. Urban Forestry can help promote your walk and create a registration page for people to sign up to walk and learn with you.

Tree Team Projects

Got an idea or need help thinking of an idea for your next Tree Team project? Connect with Urban Forestry staff help to learn about potential opportunities like tree plantings, tree giveaways, pop-up arboreta, local tree care projects, community outreach, and more.

New Tree Team Development

Get help starting a Tree Team in your neighborhood. Connect with Urban Forestry to discuss how to make plans and goals for your new team and learn what resources are available for local tree care projects.

Outreach and Tabling Materials

Get access to Urban Forestry outreach materials to help teach new people about trees. Urban Forestry can provide tree care brochures, planting lists, and information about local tree care and how people can get connected with their community trees.

Portland Pruners Program

Once you have completed the Portland Pruners Program (PPP) orientation training, experienced pruners can organize small pruning workshops in their own neighborhoods. Urban Forestry will provide you and your team with the materials and tools you need to connect with your community and prune young street trees.

Volunteer Opportunities

If you are looking for more ways to get involved or are working to get volunteer hours, Urban Forestry will have many opportunities to volunteer with us. These opportunities include helping with Yard Tree Giveaways, Arbor Day, tabling at community events, assisting with workshops, and more.